Univar Solutions Sells Environmental Sciences Business to Investors

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., and NEW YORK — Univar Solutions, the largest distributor serving the structural pest control industry, and AEA Investors, a global private investment firm, on Jan. 6 announced they had closed on the sale of Univar Solutions’ Environmental Sciences business to affiliates of AEA for $195 million. The company said it will use the net proceeds from the transaction to pay down its existing term loan debt balance.

“After careful and thorough evaluation, we are convinced that this transaction will be a ‘win-win’ for our Environmental Sciences dedicated employees, our loyal customers and supplier partners, and for Univar Solutions,” said David Jukes, Univar Solutions president and chief executive officer. “Environmental Sciences is already well established as an industry leader in pest management, and we are confident that AEA has the right resources and vision to position the business for long-term sustainable growth. We are pleased to have completed this transaction as we continue to intensify our strategic focus on our core chemical and ingredient distribution businesses.”

Trace McEuen, vice president of Environmental Sciences, who will continue to lead the business under AEA’s ownership, stated, “AEA has a deep understanding of the Environmental Sciences business and our future opportunities, including our ability to meet the growing demand in our existing and adjacent end markets. As a standalone company, with the focused ownership and committed resources of AEA, we expect to be even better positioned to serve our customers and partner with suppliers as we drive growth and build on the momentum we have already created at Univar Solutions.”

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Univar Solutions’ Environmental Sciences serves pest management professionals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico directly through approximately 250+ sales and service professionals and 70 ProCenters and in Latin America and the Caribbean through a network of authorized dealer partners.

The standalone Environmental Sciences business is expected to announce a new name and brand identity upon close of the transaction.

Lawn & Landscape Magazine To Host Technology Conference

VALLEY VIEW, Ohio — Lawn & Landscape, sister publication of PCT, will host the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference, Feb. 19-21, at the Wyndham Orlando in Orlando, Fla. The three-day event will combine high-level educational programming on technology and software, along with an exhibit hall featuring industry-leading technologies, solutions and services for professionals in the green industry, as well as PMPs serving this growing market segment.

The Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference will bring together service professionals to learn from experts and fellow professionals who have successfully integrated software and technology into their companies to operate more efficiently.

The event features a keynote from futurist and entrepreneur Gabe Zichermann, who will explain how to predict the future of technology and continue to factor in the human element in the digital age. “Artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics are all going to transform the landscaping and lawn care industry,” Zichermann says. “But it’s a people-centric business, and as automation takes hold, it’s going to require a completely new strategy.”

Full session and speaker information is available at www.lltechconference.com.

In addition to the educational program, attendees will have access to the trade show portion of the event, where they can meet with software and technology vendors serving the professional lawncare and service sectors.

In Memoriam: Dr. John Barcay

BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Dr. John Barcay, a longtime entomologist and pest control industry researcher, passed away on Nov. 19, at age 59.

Barcay worked for Ecolab for 30 years and his most recent position was senior scientist, where he was responsible for research and development of products; customer training; and consultation on urban and industrial pest issues. He was also a highly regarded speaker at pest control industry events.

A native of Maryland, Barcay completed his understudies at Colorado State University and his post-graduate work at Purdue University, where he earned his Ph.D. in urban and industrial entomology in 1990. He also worked as a service technician for Byron O’Reid & Son from 1982 to 1983.

A memorial celebration of Barcay’s life is planned for late April 2020.

Additional source: Star-Tribune obituary

QualityPro Celebrated 15^th Anniversary in 2019

FAIRFAX, Va. — In 2019, QualityPro celebrated its 15-year anniversary. QualityPro began in 2004 when NPMA leadership determined that the industry needed to define its own professional standards. QualityPro was founded to “raise all ships in the sea,” and the group says it has continued in that spirit by creating and maintaining standards and resources that help companies of all sizes grow right. In addition to standards, QualityPro promotes accredited companies with co-branding opportunities, marketing guidance and lead generation, officials say.

QualityPro-accredited companies meet qualifications built around four key principles: business operations, consumer relations, environmental stewardship and technician training. Examples of the standards include criminal background checks of employees, maintaining insurance policies, and having a uniform and professional appearance policy. The QualityPro exam, which issues a certificate of completion, verifies that those performing or selling services across the country have the basic knowledge to perform the job. QualityPro is administered by the Foundation for Professional Pest Management, an independent organization that has been developing good business practices and standards since 2004. Designed specifically for pest management companies in the U.S. and Canada, the program has accredited more than 500 companies in the pest management industry. QualityPro is endorsed by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). To learn more, contact the QualityPro team at 571/224-0373 or qualitypro@pestworld.org or visit NPMAQualityPro.org

First Group of Cohen-Hammel Fellows Inducted at Penn State Berks Campus

WYOMISSING, Pa. — The first group of Cohen-Hammel Fellows was inducted at Penn State Berks on Sept. 5. A comprehensive new scholarship program for outstanding Penn State Berks undergraduates, the Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program is designed to prepare students to become engaged and ethical leaders in the 21^st century.

Three students from Pennsylvania were inducted into the program: Julianna Gaul, a graduate of Springfield Township High School in Erdenheim; Amy Lista, Wilson High School in Wyomissing; and Sabrina Matteoli, Oley Valley High School in Oley. Gaul and Lista plan to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while Matteoli plans to study Information Sciences and Technology. As Cohen-Hammel Fellows, all three students will complete their baccalaureate degrees at Penn State Berks.

The Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program was established in 2018 through a $3 million joint gift made by two Penn State alumni couples: Irvin and Lois Cohen and Victor and Dena Hammel. (Victor Hammel is the chairman of Rentokil Pest Control, North America, and the retired co-owner and CEO of Ehrlich Pest Control.) Through “A Greater Penn State for 21^st Century Excellence,” the university’s current fundraising campaign, Penn State will provide $1.25 million in matching funds to enhance the impact of the Cohens’ and Hammels’ support and endow the Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program at $4.25 million. These funds will support the program in perpetuity.

During the induction ceremony, Victor Hammel stated, “As four Penn State alumni, Lois and Irv Cohen, Dena and I are grateful to be in the position to help create a fellows program that will be transformative for Penn State Berks. Having just met the first Cohen-Hammel Fellows, we couldn’t be more impressed with these young women and thrilled that this program is bound to be transformative for them.

“They are likely to do some amazing things with their lives. In the decades to come, there will be scores of Penn State Berks students who will benefit from this fellows program, many of whom will continue to live and work in Berks County and be its future leaders.”

Each Cohen-Hammel Fellow will receive a scholarship of $7,000 for the 2019-20 academic year. That same scholarship will be awarded for all four years of enrollment at Penn State Berks, as long as the student fulfills the requirements and remains in the program. In addition, Cohen-Hammel Fellows will benefit from mentoring from faculty and community leaders, and educational opportunities such as undergraduate research, travel and service within the Greater Reading community made possible through the program endowment.

Through a combination of rigorous academic study and research, service and outreach in the community, and a shared contemplation of what it means to be an ethical leader in the 21^st century, Cohen-Hammel Fellows will discover their own potential for impact.

The Hammels are co-chairs of Penn State Berks’ efforts in “A Greater Penn State for 21^st Century Excellence.” In addition to their gift to support the Cohen-Hammel Fellows Program, the Hammels have made major gifts to support Penn State Berks and Penn State Hillel. Irv and Lois Cohen also are Penn State graduates and longtime Penn State Berks supporters.

NCPMA Launches Endowment To Honor NCSU’s Waldvogel

RALEIGH, N.C. — In honor of professor Mike Waldvogel’s contributions to the pest management industry in North Carolina, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) has launched the NCPMA Extension Program Endowment in Honor of Mike Waldvogel at North Carolina State University.

The NCPMA Extension Program Endowment in Honor of Mike Waldvogel will support the ongoing work of North Carolina State University, focusing on supporting positions that directly contribute to the education of the pest management industry. The endowment honors Waldvogel, Ph.D., extension associate professor and extension specialist at North Carolina State University’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

“Dr. Waldvogel has been an instrumental part of the pest management industry in North Carolina for decades. His knowledge of pests, their behaviors and trends is unparalleled, and we, as an industry, are truly thankful for all of the insight, guidance and wisdom he has shared with us throughout the years,” said Clint Miller, NCPMA president. “It is our privilege to be able to honor his contribution to the state by creating this endowment which will safeguard the academic positions that have played such a significant role in furthering the North Carolina pest management industry and ensure that future generations are able to receive quality entomology education.”

The NCPMA Board has committed $50,000 to this endowment, to be joined with a previous endowment fund created by NCPMA in 2002.

Air-Scent Acquires Sani-Air Associated Products

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Air-Scent International announced recently that it acquired Sani-Air Associated Products.

Air-Scent International invented one of the first fan-operated air fresheners in 1946 and the company says it has since become one of the leading providers of ambient scenting diffusers, molecular odor neutralizing products and the highest quality essential oil refills. The firm’s products are used by scent marketing companies, air freshener service providers, Jan San distributors and tens of thousands of commercial, industrial and institutional end user businesses, including pest management companies.

Air-Scent CEO and President Arnold Zlotnik, commented, “We see Sani-Air’s stellar product line as a seamless extension to our current offerings, and one that further enhances our ability to provide one-stop-shop convenience to a global clientele. We’ve worked very hard to make this acquisition a seamless integration and look forward to welcoming Sani-Air’s customers and employees to the Air-Scent family. We are confident that our combined capabilities will deliver a compelling valuable proposition for our customers across numerous segments and key markets.”

Pest Management Foundation Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients

FAIRFAX, Va. — The Pest Management Foundation has awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships to five university students studying urban entomology at schools across the United States. The Pest Management Foundation Scholarship Program identifies and rewards the best and brightest minds in undergraduate and graduate programs across the nation, supporting the next generation of urban entomologists who will become part of the pest management industry in the future.

The 2019 Pest Management Foundation Scholarship recipients are:

• Sudip Gaire, Ph.D. candidate, Purdue University
• Maria Gonzalez, Ph.D. candidate, North Carolina State University
• Allison Johnson, Ph.D. candidate, University of Georgia
• Joanne King, Ph.D. candidate, Texas A&M University
• Tarolyn Plumley, undergraduate student, University of Florida

Each year, the Pest Management Foundation awards up to five scholarships, not to exceed $2,000 each, to students at accredited entomology programs at U.S. colleges or universities. Currently enrolled undergraduate (junior or senior year) or graduate students majoring in entomology and focused on urban pest management are eligible for scholarships. Students must have completed at least two semesters of study, and they must be full-time students in good academic standing. Only one scholarship is awarded per college or university each year.

The Pest Management Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission and purpose is to advance the pest management industry through education, research and outreach. The Pest Management Foundation is a charitable organization affiliated with the National Pest Management Association, the industry’s largest national trade group. The Foundation has been in existence for more than 50 years and has funded urban entomology research projects at universities nationwide. For more information about the Foundation visit www.npmafoundation.org, or contact Jim Fredericks via email at jfredericks@pestworld.org.

PWIPM of New England Holds Inaugural Leadership Summit in November

WOBURN, Mass. — On Nov. 20, Professional Women in Pest Management of New England held its inaugural Leadership Summit. The meeting was sponsored by the New England Pest Management Association, Forshaw and PWIPM of New England. This event’s theme was “Women Who Lead” and was run by Marinn Bengel, director of human resources at Forshaw. Discussions revolved around influencing from within, empowering teams and inspiring others. Twenty-eight women attended from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

The next development workshop will be Feb. 13, in Woburn, Mass. The topic is “Being a Pest Management Professional” and will be led by George Williams, A.C.E., from Univar Solutions.

Woodstream Acquires Dynamic Solutions Worldwide, Maker of DynaTrap Insect Traps

LANCASTER, Pa. — Woodstream Corporation announced in November it had acquired Dynamic Solutions Worldwide, maker of DynaTrap insect traps. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Woodstream is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., DynaTrap is a provider of insect traps with both indoor and outdoor applications.

“The addition of DynaTrap not only adds a highly regarded and successful product line to Woodstream’s existing offerings, but it also introduces us to additional blue-chip clients, which complement our current roster of world-class customers,” said Miguel Nistal, CEO of Woodstream. “Demand for DynaTrap insect traps has never been higher as new and more potent strains of mosquito viruses develop each year. We are excited to welcome the DynaTrap team, and we remain on the lookout for additional strategic acquisitions that will supplement Woodstream’s strong organic growth.”

Dynamic Solutions President Juan Rocha said, “Woodstream is the perfect home for DynaTrap. There is a natural synergy between our companies, and through this combination, DynaTrap’s products will be introduced to a significant group of new customers. I look forward to helping Miguel and his team integrate the two companies.”